Season 2015 was a challenging year for the Carlton Football Club, which ultimately finished 18th on the ladder.
With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton defender Sam Docherty:
GAMES
Season 2015: 19
Career: 48
GOALS
Season 2015: 2
Career: 10
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 401 (21.11) Uncontested Possessions: 277 (14.58) Marks: 116 (6.11) Tackles: 40 (2.11) Rebound 50s: 80 (4.21)
OVERVIEW
Sam Docherty was one of Carlton’s most consistent players in 2015. The 21-year-old played 19 games, only missing three through injury.
The young defender had the most rebound 50s of any player at the Blues with an average of (4.21) per game and came 3rd at the Club for kicks per game (13.68).
In the Round 7 clash with Greater Western Sydney the defender racked up 27 disposals and eight rebounds in his most impressive match.
Sam Docherty in action against Greater Western Sydney. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Docherty, who was named in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad, re-signed with the Carlton for another three years, seeing him remain a Bluebagger until at least 2018.
Carlton fans will be looking forward to seeing what Docherty can produce in 2016.
HE SAID IT
"We've got a massive opportunity for some young guys to get some game time in and really grow their own performance, and the team performance. We've still got a hell of a lot of room to improve and we've just got to keep moving forward as a group."
- Sam Docherty, in the lead-up to Carlton's Round 18 clash with North Melbourne.
THEY SAID IT
“We see Sam as 200-plus gamer here, we see him staying here for the long haul and for him to put pen to paper for three years is really positive for us. We're looking for some big improvement for the team between now and then and Sam will be a part of our journey in the next few years.”
- Carlton’s Head of Football, Andrew McKay, speaking about Docherty after the young Blue extended his contract in May.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
With only 14 seconds left on the clock in Carlton’s Round 12 clash with Port Adelaide, Docherty’s lunging mark in the Power’s forward 50 secured the Blues second win for the season. There was only four points the difference and the kick into Port’s attacking 50 was the Power’s last chance to score. Docherty marked the ball on his chest as Bluebaggers around the MCG breathed a sigh of relief.
